New Mom to Be & New Member

[calizacar]

Hi All,

So glad to be here. I'm expecting my first child May 15 and my mom bought me my first year subscription to Mothering and I'm so grateful! I love it! However being an expectant mother is somewhat frightening. I know that my body is made for this, I know that woman have children ALL the time and I know that this should be the penultimate experience of my life. Then why am I so scared???? I've read that fear can be a problem in labor and my friends I'm unfortunately full of it. Not only am I scared about delivering this child but I'm scared of raising him as well. I am going to to even admit I'm afraid I won't like him when he gets here. I know I'm being a little neurotic and certainly don't want to feel this way, but I do. Any advice out there to help a little bit crazy me??

Thanks all!

[Kuba'sMama]

Hi!
I'm due on May 19th! With my third though.

I think it's perfectly normal to feel this way. Not only having a baby is a huge life change, but you also have all these hormones wreaking havoc on your body! It's mother nature's way of making you stop and pay attention I guess.

It's my third and I'm also scared about delivery, lol. It's not fun, but you'll survive. You'll have a baby at the end of the ordeal remember! And the liking him part? It works itself out too, lol. Don't pressure yourself to "bond", it will happen before you know it. They grow on you.

This is a good place to come for advice and support. Welcome and congratulations! Oh and it sounds like you already have great support with your mom, who was wise enough to get you a mothering subscribtion.

[valerie mom of 4]

Hi and welcome! Congrats on your pregnancy

[sweetpeppers]

Welcome to mothering! You are so blessed to have a mother who got you such a great gift. I was pretty worried about having a baby too. I kept saying, "but I don't really like kids!" And now I love them...well, most of them. :P As far as fear of childbirth goes, it really helps to read positive birth stories. I love reading unassisted birthing literature, because it really affirms the power of our bodies to give birth. All we have to do is get out of the way. Books by Ina May Gaskin, Laura Shanley, and others are great for building your confidence in your body.

[proudmomof4]

Hello and welcome to MDC!

[calizacar]

Thanks Ladies,

I've read Ina May's latest and am about to start the Birth Partner. Also reading a chicken soup book which helps calm my nerves. They definitely help me feel better about having this baby. It's so funny, I go from freaked out to in awe at him moving in my belly in a matter of minutes. I try not to be too hard on myself but it's my first time and I see myself being one of those typical first time mothers who get nervous about everything!
Thank you for taking the time to post. It really helps!

[wbg]

Welcome mama!
Be sure to check out the due date clubs in the I'm pregnant section. You will connect with other mamas who are going through the same stages of pregnancy with you.
Your fears and concerns are natural and you are already a very wise Mama to be, by recognising them, vocalising them and looking for strategies and suport as you work it out. Your little fella is lucky to have you.
Congrats on your pregnancy and all the best on your beautiful journey ahead.

[tinybutterfly]

Welcome to MDC!

[Kidzaplenty]

Welcome to MDC!

[Irishmommy]

Welcome to Mothering!